China vs Myanmar
Crypto regulation comparison
China
Myanmar
China has imposed a comprehensive ban on cryptocurrency activities. In September 2021, the PBOC and ten other agencies jointly declared all cryptocurrency transactions illegal, and the State Council banned crypto mining. China is instead promoting the digital yuan (e-CNY) CBDC.
Myanmar's Central Bank issued Notification No. 9/2020 prohibiting the sale, purchase, and exchange of unregulated digital currencies. Violations are prosecuted under the Anti-Money Laundering Law and Financial Institutions Law with penalties including imprisonment and fines. Despite the ban, underground stablecoin usage persists, particularly USDT.
Key Points
- All crypto transactions declared illegal by PBOC and 10 agencies in September 2021
- Crypto mining banned by the State Council in 2021 after a series of provincial crackdowns
- Financial institutions and payment companies prohibited from facilitating crypto services
- China actively developing and piloting the digital yuan (e-CNY) CBDC
- Despite the ban, some Chinese citizens reportedly access crypto via VPNs and OTC desks
Key Points
- CBM Notification No. 9/2020 prohibits sale, purchase, and exchange of digital currencies
- Violations prosecuted under Anti-Money Laundering Law and Financial Institutions Law
- Financial institutions banned from dealing in digital currencies
- CBM is exploring a central bank digital currency (digital kyat)
- Underground stablecoin (USDT) usage persists despite ban